Books and Movies

This song was mentioned several times in the book, so I thought I would include it with my review:



A glimpse into the life of the "Weird" Watsons from Flint, Michigan. Told from the perspective of the 10 year-old son, Kenny. Kenny tells us his experiences of dealing with his delinquent bullying brother Byron and his rule following, kind-hearted sister Joetta (Joey). Kenny's parents are finally pushed to follow through with the threat to take Byron to stay with his strict grandmother in Birmingham, Alabama. The family takes a trip to the South with the families old car, "The Brown Bomber" and momma's notebook laying out their itinerary in detail. Once in Alabama the children are introduced to the sultry nights and oppressive heat of the day... and the oppressive hatred that is punctuated by a bombing at the Sunday School.

The first several chapters describing the family and the actions of Byron and his bullying were off putting. The author doesn't let Byron become a one dimensional character. The incident with the bird shows a sad, but redeeming quality in Bryron. The book hit its stride once the Weird Watson's hit the road. I have traveled enough with road trips with my family and seen that clinched jaw and wild eyed star on my husband to get connected with the family. The part where Byron says, "No cars, no cow, but I counted yo' momma six times already." Then Kenny replies, "That's your momma too, stupid!" makes me think of several conversations among my kids in the car and at the breakfast table. Byron's character at the end is fully redeemed by helping Kenny through the aftermath of the bombing. I like that the characters are all a shade of gray.
The epilogue was a great addition to the book and one of my favorite parts said, "They are the people who believe that as long as one person is being treated unfairly, we all are. These are our heroes, and they still walk among us today."
Definitely give this book a read. This would offer a wonderful springboard to a family discussion on Civil Rights, bullying, road trips, and life in different parts of the country.

:::::::::::Shrek Forever After

I took Eve to see Shrek on Thursday afternoon to keep a promise I made last month. The message of the movie, to appreciate your life, was a great. The alternate reality was hilarious. The interaction between Rumplestiltskin and the witches was a hoot. Donkey and Puss were their crazy, reluctant, side-kick selves. The site gags with Puss sliding down the ropes was too funny. We had a great time singing too.

Here is a great site for finding all of the songs in the movie in order of their appearance.
I have enjoyed all of the soundtracks from the Shrek movies. I have this image in my head that somehow I went to school with the folks selecting the music because I enjoy them all so much. I thought this new song was amazing "Darling I Do" by Landon Pigg and Lucy Schwartz:


I'm one of those folks that sits and reads the credits to films and this song by Maxine Nightingale that I fondly remember from the late 70's was fun to sing along:



::::::::::Robin Hood:::::::


Last week, my mom and I got to use our free movie tickets to see Robin Hood. Michael and Aaron had gone earlier in the day and gave it a positive review. I already like Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe, so I was game to go to see the film. This telling of the Robin Hood story was well done. Russell Crowe plays Robin Longstride who makes a promise to Robert Loxley's sword to his father to make amends for taking it and going to battle. Reluctlantly Robin agrees, but has to make a minor stop to return the crown of the dead king first. When Robin gets to Nottingham he is asked by Loxley's father to pretend to his dead son, so that his daughter-in-law, Marian, will not lose the family estate.
Cate Blanchett as Marian is a strong woman (I love strong woman characters)who defends her family and land against the smarmy Sheriff of Nottingham played by Matthew McFadyen (who was made not dreamy like he was as Mr. Darcy for this film), then the forces led by the evil Godfrey. Russell Crowe has the presences in each film that he is given a leadership role to pull it off convincingly. I loved him in Master and Commander and in Gladiator too.
The fight sequences are many, but suprisingly, not gory. The bloodiest part of the film is in the credits and is done in life action with a watercolor overlay. Totally funky effect to have the credits using the watercolor. This is a quintessentially cool date movie. It has action, drama, romance, history and a plot (some movies never get around to the plot part...or good actors...). The scenery is magnificent, as well. Check this one out.

What's Up

My love and hugs go out to my stepmother, Alice, who is in the hospital. I was able to speak with her and they aren't sure why her blood pressure is so low. I'm glad Katherine and Tracy are close by to check on her. Also, to my stepdad, Jim, with his tooth/jaw woes.:::::::Service Project


:::::::::::::More Strawberry Farm layouts::::








I've been reading books on critical thinking...Bologna (Baloney)Detectors, so to speak. I really enjoyed these books on the subject:






I like to think I'm getting a little farther along on the road to discerning the information I come in contact with each day.


::::::::::::::::The Movie Tavern---or Fun with my Mom::::

My mother took me out to the Movie Tavern in Tucker for my birthday. Neither of us had been there before. When you walk in you get in line and tell the cashier the movie and time, then order your meal. You are then given a number on a stand and go to your theatre and find a seat. Mom ordered chicken quesadillas and I got the turkey club wrap with side salad. The theatre was clean and the seats were comfy, but if you wear pantyhose and a skirt you may tend to feel like you are going to slide out onto the floor. At least, that is what my mom tells me. (I think pantyhose are products of Satan and his minions...this may run contrary to that whole critical thinking section preceding this review...but run with it.)
Right before the movie started we got our meal. We shared and agreed that both were delicious. So we give the Tavern's food and cleanliness high marks. The restroom was also clean and had those hand dryers that blow so hard that your skin ripples and dries your hands in 5 seconds. Those are the coolest!
Now to the movie. We chose to see "Wolverine". I'm glad the kids were not with us because it really isn't suitable for kids under 13. The chase scenes and explosions are expected, but some scenes are just too much for kids. Hugh Jackman is seen in his altogether (I would like to applaud Mr. Jackman for sticking to those rigourous workouts)but I don't think that is the best thing for kids to see. (The comparisons alone cover that). Kind folks are killed, so a big no for Rachel to see. She would be depressed the rest of the film. Overall, the film was what I expected. Not as cool as Star Trek, but still a cool action flick for the older crowd.

::::::::::::::::Court of Honor:::

I'm off to take Aaron to Court of Honor. He is going to help mow the grass in preparation for the evenings festivities. Then, we get to eat Mexican food. Michael, who is sick, will stay at home and make grilled cheese for the kids. Michael got sick from the nursery kids he watched for me when I went to In-gathering. He has finally passed it to Aaron and me, but Michael is much sicker. Well...I'm outta here.

Smiles

Weekend Happenings

Michael took the day off of work Friday and attended Turkey Tunes. Michael signed our stickers with the monikers "Yearbook Lady" and "Mr. Yearbook Lady". This is such a fun time to go to school and see the Kindergarteners singing and enjoying being thankful. Eve dressed as an Indian...Tribal person. Rachel's teacher gave her permission to come watch Eve perform. Eve stood next to her classmate Paul. They were fun to watch.





Saturday:



Michael offered to take me to the movies to see "Twilight", while the kids were at school. Aaron asked to go, so I decided to wait until Saturday. When Saturday rolled around Rachel wanted to go, as well. We went to the 12:10pm movie. The previews were nutty. I only liked the one for the new Harry Potter film coming in July. We had one lady who felt she needed to talk out loud to the screen. Let me tell you...if you ever wondered...I don't like it when people do this. I wish they would wait for the dvd and sit in their own house to make comments. I think Catherine Hardwicke did a great job translating the book to the screen. Robert Pattinson was not my vision of Edward when I read the book, but I thought he pulled off the character beautifully. He had the angst, curiousity and intense brooding you need for a damned soul that is tortured by his love for a human that he doesn't want to become like him. Kristen Stewart worked for me as Bella, too. The boy playing Jacob looks like he will be great for his more extended roll, which will come with the next movie. Michael liked Billy Burke, as Charlie. We all enjoyed the film. The make up was weird at first, but the make up artist toned down the white make up after several scenes in to the movie. Michael guesses that it is because the film maker wanted you to tell the vampires from the rest of the characters, immediately, then they could tone it down and make it not as stark.


Sunday:

I got to walk to the library with Rachel, after church. We read in the library for a bit, then walked home.

Michael made fudge...so scrumptious!

I finished a fleece blanket for one of the office staff at the elementary school.

I took a cold shower (which had nothing to do with the movie Twilight or my husband's hotitude). Our thermocoupler is kaput and I wanted to save the water we heated on the stove for the kids bath. Yikes, I would make a pathetic pioneer. Cold water makes me turn quite bluish, but bathing is a good thing!

Michael made beef stew for dinner. TASTY!

Rachel is finishing up a diarama for a school project on immigration.

Later!

Prepare for Awesomeness...

:::::::::::::::::Family Reunion Layout:::::

These photos are from last year, but I just finished the page. Here are Spencer and his parents:


_{Credits: Catrine's Explore Solids and doodles, Kate Hadfield's Doodle Frames and Heavy Duty Staples, and Spring Fling Collab (retired), Meredith Fenwick's Caution brushes, Something Blue Studios Teeny Tiny Alpha, Jenna Desai's Calendar brush, Font: Trashed}

:::::::::::::::Some Fun With Expressions of Life:::::::::





<sub>Credits: Dawn Inskip's Expressions of Life

New Beginnings

Weather Station

NDISB
http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php...oducts_id=2864
TTS
http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.co...oducts_id=1552
Scrapin Scandi Style
http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/ind...acturers_id=43
Font: DJB DAWN by Darcy Baldwin @ www.thedigichick.com</sub>

::::::::::::::::::::Kung Fu Panda:::::


Michael and I took Aaron to see Kung Fu Panda on Saturday. What a goofy movie. I giggled and guffawed a lot. The scene with Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman's characters with the dumplings and chopsticks was hilarious. The opening monologue is a riot, too! Mantis and the acupuncture scene hurt my sides. Funny stuff! I enjoyed the message of the movie that there is no secret ingredient, but to believe in yourself.

Jack Black's timing makes me laugh. He reminds me of Robert Downey, Jr. with that wonderful bit of sarcastic wit that makes them endearing and clever. As Po says in the movie, "There is no charge for awesomeness." Oh, but they will make you pay to see the film, sorry!

:::::::::::::::Errands:::::::::::

I have a few things to do today, so take care, peeps! :)

Saturday the 14th

is one of the cheesiest spoofs, but I enjoyed it as a kid. Thanks to my parent's getting the Movie Channel...back in the day, I got to watch high cinema. Here is a trailer to the movie:




:::::::::::::::::An Angel...

With His Fingers crossed.


Noah really fits this description.

<sub>Freebie by nathy/cinnamon designs only available on Gabs blog http://evitangel.blogspot.com/ for a limited time!


Font: DJB TEENY BOPPER by Darcy Baldwin at www.thedigichick.com</sub>

::::::::Scout Camp::::::

The guys should be home this afternoon. The smell of campfires, dirt and sweat. It is a heady thing, my friend!

::::::::Recycling Party::::

Rachel is at a sleepover party for her friend, Julia. The theme is recycling. So Rachel gathered up the items in our recycle bin and took them to the birthday party. She also grabbed a book she had read and her friend wanted to borrow and wrapped it with some paper she found. She stamped the paper and used some scrapbook paper I gave her for the card. The recycled gift was something Rachel was excited to give and Julia would appreciate. Nifty idea.

Take care! :)

Success!

:::::::::::::Eve's Ballet Recital:::::::::::

Everything went well for Miss Eve, the ballerina. Granny Sue, Grampa Jim, and Granny Alice were able to attend the performance with us. I was most concerned with getting Eve's hair in the classic ballerina slicked back bun. I was trying to remember what Melissa, Michael's sister, told me a few years ago for Rachel's recital. Melissa will have to critique my work, but I think it turned out okay. The only thing that bugged Eve was the costume. The sequined trim gave her the itchies. Only one little girl collapsed in tears and one got teary, but Ms. Brooke encouraged her to finish. I was so proud that Eve payed attention to the teacher and finished up with a huge grin. Here are some photos:











Eve and Granny Alice:


Rachel gives Granny Alice a big hug:


Eve doing the bunny ears behind Michael:


Eve, happily, telling Michael she did bunny ears:


Eve and Ms. Brooke:


Eve and Michael:


Eve and Granny Sue:


After the performance, Granny Alice went and cut Denny's hair and Grampa Jim's, while Michael, Aaron and I picked up dinner from Zaxby's and Chick-Fil-A. Granny Sue entertained everybody else. After a late dinner, Granny Alice gave us money to take Eve to Bruster's for ice cream. She had her, current, favorite chocolate. Rachel ordered cotton candy explosion, I got turtle, Michael ordered chocolate raspberry truffle, Aaron a brownie sundae, and Noah rounded things out with a dirt sundae. After the kids brushed their teeth we were able to get in one chapter of our reading book, then lights out at 10:30pm.

Tomorrow Eve has her preschool graduation and my mom took the day off to attend. Eve's teacher, Ms. Crystal, loves my mom and asked...begged...me to have her come on the last day. I feel so blessed from the people that I have been acquainted with through all of the kids having attended at this same preschool.

:::::::::::::::::::::Iron Man:::::::::



I forgot to review the movie "Iron Man" that we saw last Saturday. Michael, Aaron, Rachel and I saw the movie in the theatre and had a great time. Robert Downey, Jr. did a fantastic job showing the evolution of Tony Stark from a self-centered, playboy, genius to a thoughtful, think of others, genius. Paul Bettany was a great character voice for "Jarvis" the interactive computer used by Stark. The interplay with the robotic devices allows for great comic dialogue and one-liners. The kids and I really liked the line, "If you try to put me out again, when I'm not on fire, I'll donate you to a community college." Jeff Bridges, who is a man with a great head of hair, is completely shorn for this film. Bridges puts on a wonderful performance, too! All the characters worked well together and stayed true to my memory of the Iron Man cartoons. Also, word of advice, if you go to the theatre for the movie, don't leave until after the credits are finished. :)

Take care! :)

Weekend Update

:::::::::::::Conference:::::::::::

I had a great time watching and listening to Conference this weekend. My favorite part was hearing the Prophet speak so tenderly about his wife's accident and subsequent recovery. His ability to talk about something so heart-wrenching, then be able to tell the light-hearted part of the story is amazing. When he related the first words his wife spoke to him after a 27 day coma, that she loved him, then he stated her next comment about them being in trouble because she had forgotten to mail their fourth quarter taxes. He then said, "If she had said these in the other order I would have left her there!" The humor he brings lifts the heart!

Many of the talks focused on testifying of President Monson's calling as the new Prophet. It was wonderful to be part of the Solemn Assembly...even at home...to raise my arm to the square.

:::::::::::::Birthday Party:::::::

I did miss the first portion of Conference on Saturday to take Eve to a birthday party for a little boy in her Pre-school class. Ethan is one of only 2 boys in Eve's class, but he had a lot of friends from other things come to his party. It was funny to see Ethan sharing a chair with Eve and his plate. They really don't play together too much at school because he doesn't let Eve boss him around. She bosses Logan around from what I'm told. Ethan's mom thought it was so funny how excited he got when he saw Eve get out of the car. The kids played in the moonwalk, and on Ethan's cool play set. The party was space themed and everyone had a great time. Fortunately, the rain abated during the span of the party. They were nice enough to send goody bags home for the rest of the kids.


:::::::::::::Nim's Island:::::::::

Rachel received an invitation to go to the new movie, "Nim's Island" with her friends Sabrina and Lydia. Moms were invited, too. Lydia's dad decided he would like to see the movie, as well, so we had a fun group. The girls sat together at one end of the row happily chatting until the film started. I bought Rachel a box of Whoppers and for me a box of Milk Duds.

The movie was a fun adventure with Jodie Foster's portrayal of a neurotic, agoraphobic writer was great. Gerard Butler plays Nim's father and a scientist on an island they want to keep a secret. The devices used in the film to create dialogue between the imaginary character and the actual character work very well. It was hilarious during a shark scene in the movie when Lydia's dad leaned over to me and whispered, "We're going to need a bigger boat!" in reference to the Roy Scheider line in "Jaws". Too funny!

Overall, the movie isn't Oscar material, but it is a great film for a bit of amusement. All the principal actors do a wonderful job with their roles. Also, when you have a movie that contains scenes with flying lizards, you know it is quite light-hearted and fun.

:::::::::::::Book Review::::::::::



Carrie Bebris does a great job on keeping the integrity of the ,Jane Austen inspired, characters throughout her mystery book. The story begins right after the nuptials for Elizabeth and Darcy. The newlyweds are trying to get to Pemberly and enjoy the coming Christmas holiday. Unfortunately, the trappings of polite society keep them from their goal for a time. The couple is pulled into the wedding and subsequent troubles of Caroline Bingley. The story weaves in the conflict between reason and intuition with elements of the supernatural.

The author did a wonderful job with the characters in the book, but the story, toward the end, seemed a bit too forced and contrived. Supernatural artifacts and beliefs are evidenced throughout many cultures and are definitely found in England. I'm not sure how I would have presented it in the story, but it seemed a bit too flat. I am interested enought, though, to read the author's other books, so I'll let you know what I think of them too.


::::::::::::::Spring Break:::::::

is this week and the boys are already fighting and I don't have the ingredients for the food Noah will eat, so the week is starting off well. The weather is supposed to be warm with drizzles today. Rachel is happy because she got to read late and sleep in. I suppose that is one good thing.

Until later!

Odd(s) and Ends

I love movie and tv quotes. Eve has been running around lately asking the questions that the bridge keeper posed in the movie "The Holy Grail". She also loves to say, "It's just a flesh wound!" She is such a nut!

Here are my responses to Jim's blog prompts:

Name a favorite movie...The African Queen

Name a favorite old TV show... The Carol Burnett Show

Give one line (or quote) from any film or TV show and see if we can all remember it. The line does not have to be from the movie or TV show you chose in Parts 1 and 2...

Elwood: "It's got a cop motor, a 440 cubic inch plant, it's got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. It's a model made before catalytic converters so it'll run good on regular gas. What do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?"

::::::::::::::::::Flower Layout:::::::::



_{Midnight Diamonds - coming soon (have your eyes wide open maybe on thursday)
by Dawn Inskip at NDISB
http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=58&zenid=6f749e8e3eef36755bd930bff3df535c
TTS
http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=20
SSS
http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=43
Font: DJB My Dear Marsha
by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17789&cat=273&page=2
Misc. Font: CK Cursive}

:::::::::::::::::::::::Still Crocheting::::

I've crocheted beads to 6 pairs of sock. Only 6 more to go! :)

Smiles, until later!

Where, Oh Where, Have My Car Keys Gone?

::::::::::::::::::LOST::::::::::::AND FOUND!::::
The only real excitement this weekend was losing my keys. My mom located them where they had fallen out of my pocket. Thanks, Mom!


:::::::::::::::::Noah's International Folk Dance::::::::::





_{Credits:
Darcy Baldwin's font: DJB DONNAR at The Digichick
Mary Fran's "Giddy Up" kit
Nancy Comelab's Cluster frames
Kate Hadfield's Heavy Duty Staples, Journaling paper, and Black Doodle Alpha}



::::::::::::::::College Road Trip::::::::::

Michael and I took Rachel and Aaron to see College Road Trip with Raven, Martin Lawrence and Donny Osmond. We laughed a lot. The movie was really fun and Donny Osmond was hilarious. If you want some laughs without worrying about foul language and folks breaking into song this would foot the bill.



My mom took Noah and Eve to see Horton Hears A Who. They reported that that was a fun movie, too!

Must run, now!

Smiles!

It's Here:

:::::::::::::::::::::::Album Cover::::::::

This is the album for my SIL. I really love how it turned out. I wanted to capture a Dr. Seussian feel.





::::::::::::::::::Pride and Prejudice::::::::

I had a fantastic time cuddled in my fleece blanket watching the mini-series, yesterday. Michael came home in time to watch a couple of hours of the show. We had to leave to pick up the kids from my stepmother's house. They would love to have stayed longer, but they had school today. The mini-series version is wonderfully crafted and a great period piece. The movie had a more refined air, then the movie version. The country gentry seemed more polished. That isn't to say that I preferred one to the other because of this. The gulf between the two world's seemed larger in the movie version due to the farm/old rambling house of the Bennett's. Both Elizabeth Bennett's had quick wit, clever tongue and captivating eyes that would temp and vex the Mr. Darcys. Both Colin Firth and Matthew MacFayden did marvelous jobs with a character who has lost his trust and patience with people in general. The movie version had to compress a lot of information about the cad, Mr. Wickham, that is more detailed in the series. The portrayal of the father in both versions is hilarious, but given more time for dialogue in the series.

Overall, the cinematography in the movie had me from the beginning, but made my heart race during the dance scene with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth where everyone else seems to disappear from the room. I thoroughly recommend both versions. Romantic stuff, indeed.



:::::::::::::::::::::Dentist:::::::::

I am polished and flossed after a trip to the dentist office today. They said the choppers look lovely, but I have tartar below the surface that needs to be scaled. Yum! The kids all go to the dentist in May...should be fun! :)

Smiles...a bright and shiny one...at that!